How to Eat Pesto: 8 Delicious Recipes

Introduction

Pesto is a traditional Italian sauce made from fresh basil, garlic, olive oil, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese. It has a unique flavor that can be used to enhance many dishes. Whether you’re looking for a simple way to jazz up your pasta dish or are looking for a creative way to use leftovers, pesto is an excellent choice.

Not only does pesto provide amazing flavor to dishes, but it also contains several health benefits. It is high in antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation in the body. It is also rich in healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. Eating pesto can help boost your immune system, improve digestion, and even lower your risk of developing certain diseases.

Pesto Pasta

This classic dish is a favorite among pesto lovers. To make it, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 pound of your favorite type of pasta
• 1/2 cup of prepared pesto
• 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste

To make the pesto pasta, follow these steps:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, about 7-10 minutes.
2. Drain the cooked pasta and return it to the pot.
3. Add the pesto and Parmesan cheese to the pasta and stir to combine.
4. Add salt and pepper, to taste.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!

Pesto Pizza

Who doesn’t love pizza? This pesto pizza adds a unique twist to the classic dish. You will need the following ingredients:

• 1 pre-made pizza crust
• 1/2 cup of prepared pesto
• 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste

To make the pesto pizza, follow these steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Spread the pesto evenly over the pizza crust.
3. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the top of the pizza.
4. Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Remove the pizza from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Pesto Sandwiches

For a quick and easy lunch, try making pesto sandwiches. You will need the following ingredients:

• 2 slices of bread
• 1/4 cup of prepared pesto
• 4 slices of deli meat
• 2 slices of cheese

To make the pesto sandwiches, follow these steps:

1. Spread the pesto on one side of each slice of bread.
2. Top one slice of bread with the deli meat and cheese.
3. Place the other slice of bread on top, pesto side down.
4. Place the sandwich in a preheated skillet and cook over medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
5. Slice the sandwich in half and serve warm.

Pesto Stuffed Peppers

These pesto stuffed peppers are a great way to use up any leftover vegetables you may have in the fridge. You will need the following ingredients:

• 4 bell peppers, halved and seeded
• 1/2 cup of cooked quinoa
• 1/4 cup of prepared pesto
• 1/2 cup of diced vegetables (such as onion, mushrooms, and/or zucchini)
• 1/2 cup of shredded cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste

To make the pesto stuffed peppers, follow these steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
2. In a large bowl, combine the quinoa, pesto, vegetables, and cheese. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
3. Fill each pepper half with the quinoa mixture.
4. Place the peppers in a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the peppers are tender.
5. Serve warm and enjoy!

Pesto Egg Toast

This pesto egg toast is perfect for a hearty breakfast. You will need the following ingredients:

• 2 slices of bread
• 1/4 cup of prepared pesto
• 2 eggs
• Salt and pepper, to taste

To make the pesto egg toast, follow these steps:

1. Spread the pesto on one side of each slice of bread.
2. Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat.
3. Crack the eggs into the skillet and season with salt and pepper, to taste.
4. Cook the eggs for 4-5 minutes, or until the whites are set and the yolks are still slightly runny.
5. Place the eggs on top of the bread slices and serve immediately.

Pesto on Toast

For a simple snack or light meal, try this pesto on toast. You will need the following ingredients:

• 2 slices of bread
• 1/4 cup of prepared pesto
• 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste

To make the pesto on toast, follow these steps:

1. Spread the pesto on one side of each slice of bread.
2. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the top of the pesto.
3. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
4. Toast the bread in a toaster oven or under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Serve warm and enjoy!

Pesto Fritters

These pesto fritters are a great way to use up any leftover pesto. You will need the following ingredients:

• 1 cup of all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon of baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 cup of milk
• 1/4 cup of prepared pesto
• Vegetable oil, for frying

To make the pesto fritters, follow these steps:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and pesto.
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and whisk until combined.
4. Heat 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Drop tablespoons of the batter into the hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown.
6. Transfer the fritters to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
7. Serve warm and enjoy!

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many different ways to enjoy pesto. From pesto pasta to pesto fritters, you can easily add this delicious sauce to your meals. Not only is it tasty, but it also provides several health benefits. So go ahead and give some of these recipes a try!

No matter what dish you choose, you’re sure to enjoy the unique flavor of pesto.